HOUSTON (AP) — Johnny Manziel was suspended for the first half of Texas A&M’s opening game against Rice on Saturday for what the school called an “inadvertent” violation of NCAA rules by signing autographs.

The penalty appears to have brought a quick end to an investigation that could have ruined the seventh-ranked Aggies’ upcoming season.

The school issued a statement saying it declared the Heisman Trophy winner ineligible and that the NCAA agreed to reinstate Manziel after he sits out the first half against the underdog Owls.

Judge OKs suit against Schilling

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Most of a lawsuit claiming former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling and executives at his failed video game company duped the state’s economic development agency into approving a $75 million investment can move forward, a Rhode Island judge ruled.

Superior Court Judge Michael Silverstein’s decision allows the Economic Development Corp. to proceed with its lawsuit against Schilling, former 38 Studios executives, former EDC officials and others. The suit alleges fraud, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, racketeering and conspiracy and says the board was misled into approving a $75 million loan guarantee for the company in 2010.

Labonte injured in bike accident

TRINITY, N.C. (AP) — Bobby Labonte broke three ribs in a bike riding accident near his North Carolina home and will miss this weekend’s NASCAR race in Atlanta.

A spokesman for the driver said Labonte was taken to a hospital by ambulance and will be held overnight for observation. He was scheduled to drive the No. 51 Chevrolet for Phoenix Racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway and will be replaced in the car by Mike Bliss.

Staffers, USOC want less abuse

UNDATED (AP) — Congressional staffers met with representatives of the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Swimming to discuss ways to reduce the risk of sexual abuse in youth sports.

The get-together stemmed from Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) asking the Government Accountability Office in June to expand its investigation into the Penn State sexual abuse scandal to include youth sports. That came shortly after famed Washington-area coach Rick Curl was sentenced to seven years in prison for a relationship he had with an underage swimmer in the 1980s.

USA Swimming has been faced with dozens of similar allegations, resulting in tougher guidelines.

Club warned over slaughter

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — A soccer club from Kazakhstan has been warned that it could face disciplinary action if it continues its ritual slaughter of sheep before matches.

Shakhter Karagandy killed a sheep last week at Astana Arena the day before beating Celtic 2-0 in the Champions League playoffs. European soccer’s governing body says it informed Shakhter that animal slaughter is “not acceptable in or around our competitions.” UEFA says the Kazakh club would face sanctions if it happens again.

Shakhter is the lowest-ranked team remaining in the Champions League and is aiming to reach the 32-team group stage for the first time.